Overview

'What happened then, some would say, was almost magic.' Disregarded and disobedient, ten-year-old Mary Lennox is sent from India to Yorkshire, and put into the care of an uncle she has never met. At Misselthwaite Manor, a brokenhearted house full of secrets and strange noises, Mary discovers a garden as lost and neglected as she is. If she can learn to make friends with robins, grumpy gardeners and a boy who speaks to animals, Mary might be able to bring more than just the garden back to life… The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett's tale about the magic of nature and the nature of magic, has been a beloved and quietly radical classic of children's literature since its publication in 1911. Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard's thrillingly adventurous adaptation was first performed at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London, in 2024. 'A beautifully crafted, thoughtfully updated new version of the immortal children's novel... has a creative ebullience... a charming and lovely production which will send you out with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face' — Time Out 'A gorgeously modern, enchanted adaptation... feels like something clicking satisfyingly into place... a story rich with joy and celebration... Where the original novel showed Colin learning to stand in the secret garden to earn the love of his absent father, Robinson writes a story that renders this, rightfully, unnecessary. The production is all the more magical for it... a must-see summer show for all ages. Marvellous, wise and expertly updated, it is sublime' — The Stage 'This vivacious, subtly inventive new version puts the microscope on Hodgson Burnett's classic to reveal an earthy enchantment. It speaks potently to our environmentally frazzled times... It's a treat, and I'll wager this garden won't be staying secret for long' — The Times 'A sheer delight... in terms of sheer loveliness and final achievement, nothing beats this delightful new adaptation... Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard have hit the jackpot here, maintaining all Hodgson Burnett's key themes of a lonely and disagreeable orphan coming to life and finding friendship in nature, but cleverly amplifying the Indian side of Mary Lennox's story... book your tickets right away' — iNews 'An old-fashioned tale brought beautifully into the modern age... does a fine job at retaining the charm of the novel while making it appropriate for now... keeps adults and children alike emotionally hooked' — Telegraph 'Magical... an inspired reimagining, infused with knowing wit' — Guardian 'Really quite enchanting... tackles the key themes head-on with nuance and kindness without ever becoming dogmatic or sanctimonious about it... a lovely, enriching show for families or adults alike' — WhatsOnStage

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9781839043680

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Reviews

'A beautifully crafted, thoughtfully updated new version of the immortal children's novel... has a creative ebullience... a charming and lovely production which will send you out with a tear in your eye and a smile on your face' * Time Out * 'A gorgeously modern, enchanted adaptation... feels like something clicking satisfyingly into place... a story rich with joy and celebration... Where the original novel showed Colin learning to stand in the secret garden to earn the love of his absent father, Robinson writes a story that renders this, rightfully, unnecessary. The production is all the more magical for it... a must-see summer show for all ages. Marvellous, wise and expertly updated, it is sublime' * The Stage * 'This vivacious, subtly inventive new version puts the microscope on Hodgson Burnett's classic to reveal an earthy enchantment. It speaks potently to our environmentally frazzled times... It's a treat, and I'll wager this garden won't be staying secret for long' * The Times * 'A sheer delight... in terms of sheer loveliness and final achievement, nothing beats this delightful new adaptation... Holly Robinson and Anna Himali Howard have hit the jackpot here, maintaining all Hodgson Burnett's key themes of a lonely and disagreeable orphan coming to life and finding friendship in nature, but cleverly amplifying the Indian side of Mary Lennox's story... book your tickets right away' * iNews * 'An old-fashioned tale brought beautifully into the modern age... does a fine job at retaining the charm of the novel while making it appropriate for now... keeps adults and children alike emotionally hooked' * Telegraph * 'Really quite enchanting... tackles the key themes head-on with nuance and kindness without ever becoming dogmatic or sanctimonious about it... a lovely, enriching show for families or adults alike' * WhatsOnStage * 'Magical... has the potential to excite a new generation about the wonders of the outside world... stays close to the original, while making clever updates that feel authentic and right for the narrative, and more palatable for a 2024 audience... a mystical, heartwarming and empowering evening, with each member of the audience taking a bit of magic home with them' * The Upcoming * 'Terrific... a truly memorable experience... a brilliant adaptation [that is] even punchier, crisper, funnier and more moving [than the original]... profoundly relevant for us in 2024. This Secret Garden is very much a play for today... undoubtedly the highlight of the summer. Catch it if you can' * LondonTheatre1 * 'Lovely... a beautiful adaptation of the classic novel that truly elevates its source material... a great show for all ages' * Broadway World *

Author Information

Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was a British-American novelist and playwright. She is best known for the three children's novels Little Lord Fauntleroy (published in 1885–1886), A Little Princess (1905), and The Secret Garden (1911). Holly Robinson is a Birmingham-born playwright now based in London. Her debut play soft animals was premiered at Soho Theatre, London, in 2019. Her adaptation (with Anna Himali Howard) of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel The Secret Garden was staged at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2024. Anna Himali Howard is a director, theatre-maker and dramaturg. She was a Creative Associate at the Gate Theatre and was an Associate Artist at Brixton House. Her adaptation (with Holly Robinson) of Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel The Secret Garden was staged at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2024.

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